Chief Building Engineer

Position: Chief Building Engineer
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Maintenance & Engineering
Union Affiliation: IUOE Local 399, where applicable
Compensation: Competitive union wages based on the applicable collective bargaining agreement

HR Legacy Commercial is seeking an experienced, dependable, and highly skilled Chief Building Engineer to oversee building maintenance, mechanical systems, and engineering operations at our residential properties throughout Chicago.

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a proactive approach to preventive maintenance, building safety, and resident satisfaction.

• Oversee daily engineering and mechanical maintenance operations.

• Supervise, train, and provide technical direction to assigned engineering and maintenance personnel.

• Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain boilers, HVAC systems, pumps, motors, and other building mechanical equipment.

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules to minimize equipment failures.

• Perform and coordinate plumbing, electrical, heating, and mechanical repairs within applicable licensing and safety requirements.

• Respond to emergency maintenance requests, including heating outages, water leaks, and equipment failures.

• Conduct regular building inspections to identify mechanical, operational, and safety concerns.

• Manage maintenance work orders and ensure timely completion.

• Monitor equipment performance and recommend repairs, upgrades, or replacements.

• Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors for specialized maintenance and repairs.

• Maintain accurate equipment logs, inspection records, maintenance reports, and inventory.

• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, OSHA standards, and company safety procedures.

• Assist property management with maintenance budgets, purchasing, and capital improvement planning.

• Maintain a professional and resident-focused approach to all maintenance activities.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in building engineering, mechanical maintenance, or facilities operations.

• Experience operating and maintaining commercial boiler, HVAC, and mechanical systems.

• Strong working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, heating, and building equipment.

• Previous supervisory or lead engineering experience.

• Ability to diagnose mechanical problems and coordinate effective repairs.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to respond to emergency maintenance situations.

• Ability to use computerized maintenance and work order systems.

• Valid City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License for positions involving equipment requiring such licensure.

• City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License – Required for assigned duties involving regulated stationary engineering equipment.

• EPA Section 608 Certification – Required when performing covered refrigerant-related work.

• Any additional licenses or certifications required for assigned equipment and job responsibilities.

• EPA Section 608 Universal Certification.

• OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification.

• HVAC and boiler operations certifications.

• IUOE Local 399 training or equivalent technical qualifications.

• CPR and First Aid Certification.

• Additional building maintenance or facilities management certifications.

• Experience maintaining multifamily residential buildings, high-rise properties, or affordable housing communities.

• Knowledge of commercial heating systems, boilers, and central mechanical plants.

• Experience managing engineering staff and coordinating outside contractors.

• Familiarity with Yardi or similar property maintenance software.

• Experience conducting preventive maintenance inspections and maintaining equipment inventories.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to climb ladders, bend, kneel, stand, and walk throughout residential buildings.

• Ability to work in boiler rooms, mechanical spaces, basements, and other maintenance environments.

• Ability to safely operate building maintenance tools and equipment.

• Availability for assigned emergency and after-hours maintenance responsibilities.

• Competitive compensation in accordance with applicable union agreements.

• Health and retirement benefits, as applicable.

• Paid time off and holidays.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Supportive leadership and a team-oriented work environment.

• Opportunity to contribute to the operations of a growing property management company.

HR Legacy Commercial is a Chicago-based property and asset management company committed to providing high-quality property operations, proactive maintenance, and exceptional resident services.

Our company operates under a servant leadership philosophy built on professionalism, accountability, transparency, and putting residents first.

We are seeking professionals who take ownership of their responsibilities, demonstrate strong leadership, and are committed to maintaining safe, reliable, and well-managed residential communities.

HR Legacy Commercial is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace.